Comedy Legend Carol Burnett Plays Heinz Hall; Pitt Panthers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (Thurs., 10/27/16)

1) Many people know of Carol Burnett from her self-titled variety show that ran on CBS from 1967-78 and supporting roles in films and TV. Born to parents who were both alcoholics in San Antonio, Texas, she moved with her grandmother to Hollywood. She attended Hollywood High School and then went on to UCLA where she studied theater and musical comedy. She performed at a University party one night and after seeing her perform there a man asked her what she wanted to do. She replied she would like to work in musical comedy in New York City, but couldn’t afford to go. The man loaned her $1,000 so she could move to New York City and try her luck. He asked that the loan be repaid in five years, his name not be mentioned, and she help other break in to the business. Years later she would help Vicki Lawrence break into the business as her protégée. She worked the clubs of New York City before landing a role in Once Upon a Mattress, for which she got a Tony nomination. Next it was on to “The Gary Moore Show” for three years, where she won her first Emmy Award.

In ’67 CBS, who had Burnett on a 10 year contract wanted to put her in a TV series called “Here’s Agnes,” luckily she  remembered that her contract stipulated that she could tell CBS within five years of the start of the contract that she wanted to do her own variety show. She pushed the button just in time. CBS was lucky too, “The Carol Burnett Show” was a huge success. The show with an outstanding supporting cast, won an amazing 23 Emmy Awards. See the master comedian in person tonight at Heinz Hall. Hopefully she’ll do her Tarzan call! 8 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

2) Wasn’t it great to not see the outcome of a Pitt Football game not come down to the final minute? A little over ten days ago the Panthers, after a challenging first half, put the Virginia Cavaliers on ice for the second half. Today the Pitt Panthers football team take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech in a 7 p.m. game. You can have a tailgating happy hour! Let’s get down there and cheer on the squad. Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

3) Mario’s East Side hosts Team Trivia Night every Thursday. Win, place, or show and your team will earn Mario’s gift certificates. Play against the Miller Lite Girls, and you could even win Miller Lite trinkets and giveaways! Feed your brain some chewy trivia and your stomach some delicious Mario’s food. 8 p.m. 5442 Walnut St., Shadyside.

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